Wenstrup supports Unborn Child Protection Act

June 20, 2013

Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

Kermit Gosnell, a Philadelphia abortion doctor, was recently convicted of three counts of murder, one count of involuntary manslaughter, and various lesser counts. His abortion clinic was described as a “House of Horrors” by his staff at trial.

Now, the House of Representatives has passed H.R. 1797, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Representative Brad Wenstrup (OH-2), a cosponsor of the bill, voted in support of the legislation, which passed 228 to 196.

In that voting, 222 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while only six Democrats voted yay. Six Republicans voted against the measure, while the overwhelming majority of Democrats, 190, voted against it.

“I firmly believe that all human life is sacred and that life begins at conception. I have always and will always stand to protect the lives of the unborn. The disturbing details that recently came to light surrounding abortion clinics like Kermit Gosnell’s and his crimes highlight the need to take action to prevent future atrocities,” Wenstrup said. “This bill takes steps to protect some of society’s most vulnerable: pregnant mothers and the unborn. It would prevent ending the life of unborn children that are capable of feeling pain past 20 weeks of gestation. I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 1797, and hope that the Senate takes up this important bill to further protect life.”

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks (AZ-8) prohibits the abortion from being performed if the probable post-fertilization age of the unborn child is 20 weeks or greater, except where necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury, excluding psychological or emotional conditions. Permits a physician to terminate a pregnancy under such exception only in the manner that provides the best opportunity for the unborn child to survive, unless that manner would pose a greater risk than other available methods would pose of the death or substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, excluding psychological or emotional conditions, of the pregnant woman.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Frank on Twitter @FrankLewisPDT.